Illegal immigration: The decline continues

Nearly two months after the repeal of Title 42, the number of immigrants crossing the U.S.’s southern border has not only dropped sharply but has remained relatively low, the Department of Homeland Security reported Monday. The New York Times. The situation represents good news for the Biden administration, but there’s no guarantee it will continue.

What are these data? Since May 12, the number of illegal crossings has averaged 3,360 per day. In March 2022, this average was around 7,100. “Title 42,” a device put in place by the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed the border. Deportation agents make it very quick and easy for immigrants to cross the border into Mexico.

Most observers expect a massive influx of migrants to the southern border as the measure is lifted. Republicans even talked about an “invasion” (a term many of them, including Ron DeSantis, continue to use). But, according to timesThis situation did not occur for a number of reasons, including the introduction of new control measures at the southern border combined with new ways to claim asylum.

“In central and northern Mexico, migrants can access a government application on a smartphone that allows them to request an appointment at an official point of entry at the U.S. border,” the New York Daily explains. Despite some technical issues with the app, about 30,000 people used it to book appointments in May alone, according to recent government data. inform.

“In addition, immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela may apply to live and work in the United States for two years under special humanitarian parole. In April, the Biden administration announced that immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras could benefit from the family reunification program. »

Progressive groups and elected conservatives are challenging one or more of these plans in court. The outcome of these conflicts, not to mention the political and economic situation in Central American countries, may have consequences for the number of migrants on the southern border in the future. Meanwhile, the southern border is quieter than it thought two months ago.

(AFP photo)